The Holy Spirit: Empowering the Church Through History
Summary
The Holy Spirit's role and presence throughout biblical history is a profound and intricate subject. The Holy Spirit was active long before the day of Pentecost, as evidenced by various Old Testament accounts. The Spirit was present at creation, sustaining the universe, and working through common grace. The Spirit endowed individuals like Samson, Moses, and Bezalel with unique gifts and abilities, demonstrating His active presence. Prophecy, too, was made possible by the Spirit, as seen in the lives of Eldad, Medad, and even Balaam. The Spirit's influence was evident in the lives of Old Testament believers like David, who pleaded, "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me."
In the New Testament, the Spirit's work continued, as seen in the lives of John the Baptist, Elizabeth, and Zacharias, all filled with the Holy Spirit before Pentecost. The disciples, empowered by the Spirit, preached and performed miracles. Jesus' resurrection and ascension marked a turning point, leading to the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost, fulfilling Joel's prophecy of a more general and inclusive outpouring upon all flesh.
Pentecost was not about the apostles becoming believers but about the formation of the church as the body of Christ. This event marked the public inauguration of the church, uniting believers into one body through the Spirit. The church, purchased by Christ's blood, became a unified entity, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. The Spirit's indwelling presence in believers signifies a shift from the Old Testament's external influence to an internal, abiding presence.
The events in Samaria and Ephesus highlight the Spirit's role in correcting incomplete understandings of the gospel. The Samaritans and Ephesians needed to align with the full truth of the gospel before receiving the Spirit. In contrast, Cornelius and his household, as Gentiles, received the Spirit as a demonstration of God's inclusive plan.
Pentecost serves as a testament to Jesus' divine identity and the church's establishment as His body. The Spirit's indwelling presence empowers believers to live as members of Christ's body, emphasizing unity and the transformative power of the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit's activity predates Pentecost, evident in creation, sustaining the universe, and empowering individuals like Samson and Moses. This highlights the Spirit's continuous work throughout history, demonstrating God's presence and power in the world. [01:25]
- Prophecy in the Old Testament was enabled by the Holy Spirit, as seen in figures like Eldad, Medad, and Balaam. This underscores the Spirit's role in revealing God's will and guiding His people, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment and obedience. [05:18]
- Pentecost marked the church's formation as the body of Christ, uniting believers through the Spirit. This event signifies the church's public inauguration, emphasizing the unity and inclusivity of the gospel message. [21:37]
- The Spirit's indwelling presence in believers represents a shift from the Old Testament's external influence to an internal, abiding presence. This transformation empowers believers to live as members of Christ's body, highlighting the importance of spiritual growth and maturity. [40:02]
- The events in Samaria and Ephesus illustrate the Spirit's role in correcting incomplete understandings of the gospel. This emphasizes the necessity of aligning with the full truth of the gospel to experience the Spirit's transformative power. [37:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit's Activity
- [01:25] - Old Testament Evidence of the Spirit
- [02:52] - Special Gifts and Empowerment
- [05:18] - Prophecy and the Spirit
- [08:10] - David and Old Testament Believers
- [09:18] - New Testament Evidence
- [12:23] - Jesus and the Holy Spirit
- [14:30] - The Impact of Jesus' Ascension
- [16:06] - Joel's Prophecy Fulfilled
- [18:29] - Unity in the Church
- [21:37] - Formation of the Church
- [26:38] - The Church's Public Inauguration
- [30:44] - Gentiles and the Spirit
- [37:16] - Correcting Incomplete Understandings
- [40:02] - The Spirit's Indwelling Presence
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:2 - "The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
2. Acts 2:1-4 - The account of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
3. Joel 2:28-29 - "I will pour out my Spirit on all people."
#### Observation Questions
1. How does the sermon describe the Holy Spirit's role in the Old Testament, particularly in the lives of individuals like Samson and Moses? [03:10]
2. What significant event in the New Testament marked a turning point for the Holy Spirit's work, according to the sermon? [15:35]
3. How did the sermon explain the difference in the Holy Spirit's presence before and after Pentecost? [40:02]
4. What role did the Holy Spirit play in the events at Samaria and Ephesus, as discussed in the sermon? [37:16]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of the Holy Spirit's presence at creation and throughout the Old Testament? How does this shape our understanding of God's continuous work in the world? [01:40]
2. How does the sermon interpret the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in relation to the formation of the church as the body of Christ? [21:37]
3. In what ways does the sermon highlight the importance of aligning with the full truth of the gospel to experience the Holy Spirit's transformative power? [37:16]
4. How does the sermon explain the shift from the Holy Spirit's external influence in the Old Testament to an internal, abiding presence in the New Testament? [40:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the sermon’s discussion of the Holy Spirit’s role in creation and sustaining the universe. How can this understanding influence your daily awareness of God’s presence in your life? [01:40]
2. The sermon emphasizes the unity and inclusivity of the church as the body of Christ. How can you actively contribute to fostering unity within your church community? [21:37]
3. Consider the sermon’s point about the Holy Spirit correcting incomplete understandings of the gospel. Are there areas in your faith where you feel you need a deeper understanding or correction? [37:16]
4. The sermon describes the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence as empowering believers. In what specific ways do you feel empowered by the Holy Spirit in your personal life and ministry? [40:02]
5. How does the sermon’s explanation of the Holy Spirit’s work before and after Pentecost challenge or affirm your current understanding of the Spirit’s role in your life? [15:35]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s discussion of prophecy enabled by the Holy Spirit. How can you seek to discern and follow God’s will in your life today? [05:18]
7. The sermon highlights the transformative power of the gospel through the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take this week to allow the Holy Spirit to transform an area of your life? [38:54]
Devotional
Day 1: The Spirit's Eternal Work in Creation and Empowerment
The Holy Spirit's activity is not confined to the New Testament; it has been a continuous presence throughout biblical history. From the very beginning, the Spirit was active in creation, sustaining the universe, and working through common grace. The Spirit endowed individuals like Samson, Moses, and Bezalel with unique gifts and abilities, demonstrating His active presence and power. This highlights the Spirit's continuous work throughout history, demonstrating God's presence and power in the world. The Spirit's work in the Old Testament serves as a reminder of His eternal nature and His ongoing involvement in the world. [01:25]
Genesis 1:2 (ESV): "The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."
Reflection: Consider a time when you felt empowered to accomplish something beyond your natural abilities. How might the Holy Spirit have been at work in that situation, and how can you invite Him to empower you in your current circumstances?
Day 2: The Spirit's Role in Prophecy and Guidance
In the Old Testament, prophecy was enabled by the Holy Spirit, as seen in figures like Eldad, Medad, and Balaam. This underscores the Spirit's role in revealing God's will and guiding His people. The Spirit's influence in prophecy emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and obedience. By understanding the Spirit's role in guiding the prophets, believers today can seek the Spirit's guidance in their own lives, trusting in His wisdom and direction. [05:18]
Numbers 11:25 (ESV): "Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him, and took some of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. And as soon as the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. But they did not continue doing it."
Reflection: Reflect on a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and discernment in making a choice that aligns with God's will?
Day 3: Pentecost and the Formation of the Church
Pentecost marked the church's formation as the body of Christ, uniting believers through the Spirit. This event signifies the church's public inauguration, emphasizing the unity and inclusivity of the gospel message. The Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost fulfilled Joel's prophecy of a more general and inclusive outpouring upon all flesh. This momentous event highlights the Spirit's role in bringing believers together as one body, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries, and empowering them to live as members of Christ's body. [21:37]
Acts 2:4 (ESV): "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity and inclusivity of your local church community, reflecting the Spirit's work at Pentecost in your interactions with others?
Day 4: The Spirit's Indwelling Presence and Transformation
The Spirit's indwelling presence in believers represents a shift from the Old Testament's external influence to an internal, abiding presence. This transformation empowers believers to live as members of Christ's body, highlighting the importance of spiritual growth and maturity. The Spirit's presence within believers signifies a personal relationship with God, enabling them to grow in faith and live out the gospel in their daily lives. This internal transformation is a testament to the Spirit's power to change hearts and lives. [40:02]
Ezekiel 36:27 (ESV): "And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you desire spiritual growth. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work within you to bring about transformation in this area?
Day 5: Correcting Incomplete Understandings of the Gospel
The events in Samaria and Ephesus illustrate the Spirit's role in correcting incomplete understandings of the gospel. The Samaritans and Ephesians needed to align with the full truth of the gospel before receiving the Spirit. This emphasizes the necessity of aligning with the full truth of the gospel to experience the Spirit's transformative power. In contrast, Cornelius and his household, as Gentiles, received the Spirit as a demonstration of God's inclusive plan. This highlights the Spirit's role in guiding believers to a deeper understanding of the gospel and ensuring that they are rooted in truth. [37:16]
Acts 19:2 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' And they said, 'No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.'"
Reflection: Is there an aspect of the gospel that you feel you do not fully understand? How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to deepen your understanding and align your beliefs with the truth of the gospel?
Quotes
The Holy Spirit was operative at creation, the second verse in the Bible, for instance, the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Secondly, we pointed out that it is the holy spirit that sustains the universe including the life of men. [00:01:48]
The Holy Spirit that does the work of common Grace all natural good in men natural morality the conscience the light that light of every man culture government and all these things these are the result of the work and the activity of the Holy Spirit. [00:02:18]
The spirit it was that had enabled Moses to do the work some of that spirit is now taken and put upon the sem Elders in order that they may assist Moses in the carrying out of this work. [00:04:12]
Prophecy is made possible by the activity of the holy spirit in men. The first instance of this is the case of two men called elad and mad you'll read about them in numbers 11 verse 29 these two men M elad and mad began to prophesy. [00:05:25]
Moses recognized that eldad and Meed were able to prophesy because God had put his Spirit upon them and he said to his supporters don't be jealous for my sake I would that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the Lord had put his Spirit upon all them. [00:06:00]
David says take not thy Holy Spirit from me now here's a man under the Old Testament dispensation here's a man before Pentecost he says take not thy Holy Spirit from me he realized what that would mean so he praise that God would not take his Spirit from him. [00:08:13]
The Spirit's indwelling presence in believers represents a shift from the Old Testament's external influence to an internal, abiding presence. This transformation empowers believers to live as members of Christ's body, highlighting the importance of spiritual growth and maturity. [00:40:02]
The Holy Spirit abides in us as members of the body the spirit abides in US perfectly now that is it seems to me the essence of the teaching with regard to this matter confusion has often Arisen because in addition to all this these people on the day of Pentecost were at the same time filled with the spirit. [00:40:02]
The Holy Spirit abides in us as members of the body the spirit abides in US perfectly now that is it seems to me the essence of the teaching with regard to this matter confusion has often Arisen because in addition to all this these people on the day of Pentecost were at the same time filled with the spirit. [00:40:02]
The events in Samaria and Ephesus illustrate the Spirit's role in correcting incomplete understandings of the gospel. This emphasizes the necessity of aligning with the full truth of the gospel to experience the Spirit's transformative power. [00:37:16]
The events in Samaria and Ephesus illustrate the Spirit's role in correcting incomplete understandings of the gospel. This emphasizes the necessity of aligning with the full truth of the gospel to experience the Spirit's transformative power. [00:37:16]
The events in Samaria and Ephesus illustrate the Spirit's role in correcting incomplete understandings of the gospel. This emphasizes the necessity of aligning with the full truth of the gospel to experience the Spirit's transformative power. [00:37:16]
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